Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Atlantic Coast
The rugged coastline between Buenos Aires and Cape
Horn stretches over 1,900 miles (3,000 km). The cold
currents of the South Atlantic are the natural habitat of
Southern Right whales, seals, and sea lions, all seen at
Península Valdés
(see pp230-31)
. Offshore, petrels and
albatrosses patrol the waves.
Magellanic penguins
are a common sight
along the Patagonian coast. The continent's
largest colony is found at Punta Tombo in
Chubut
(see p232)
.
The Southern Right whale
earned its name
as the “right” whale for hunters to kill because it
floats after being harpooned. It is now
protected in Argentinian waters.
Subtropical Forests
Sizeable protected subtropical forests can be
found in Misiones, Corrientes, and Salta. Flora
flourishes beneath the dense canopy; the more
remote forests provide a habitat for rare species
such as harpy eagles and jaguars.
Patagonia
Best known for its vast, semi-arid steppes and
glaciers, Patagonia also has forests near the
Andes and rich marine wildernesses along its
coast. Wildlife includes rare species such as the
huemul
and miniature
pudú
deer.
The
ceibo
is a
carmine-red native
arboreal bloom,
adopted
as Argentina's
national flower.
The myrtle tree
is found all
across northern Patagonia. It is
a versatile plant, with a warm
fawn color.
The Toco toucan
is
a raucous forest
species, seen at
dawn or dusk flitting across the
canopy in Parque Nacional
Iguazú
(see pp176-9)
.
The Magellanic woodpecker
is a large, gregarious bird,
easily spotted in Parque
Nacional Tierra del Fuego in
Ushuaia
(see p265)
.
The jaguar
is the largest feline
in South America. Only a
handful are now found
in remote corners of
protected preserves in
the Salta, Jujuy, and
Chaco regions.
The
huemul
has been
on the endangered list
since 1976. It is a shy,
solitary woodland deer
found mainly in the high
Patagonian Andes.